Spirit of Inquiry among the Natives at You will rejoice to hear, that there has been, for some time, serious inquiry after Divine Truth among the Natives in this Settlement; though those without remain, as they were, insensible to the Gospel Call. Two men and one woman have been baptized: they are living in the Settlement. Within these few weeks several others have expressed much concern as to their eternal state; and, though they have only now made their profession, yet an entire change of conduct has been observable, for many months, in several of them. This has brought us much important and interesting work: we meet all who are disposed, every evening, for Religious Conversation and Prayer. This being contrary to the natural habits of the Natives, must put their sincerity to the test; as they early retire to rest, or spend their evenings in dancing, singing, or talking: but this appears altogether laid aside; and now they assemble, in each other's houses, for Prayer; and I trust that the Lord is with them. [Rev. H. Williams, March 1830. Baptism of Three Converts. Feb. 7, 1830: Sunday-This morning my Brother baptized Peter and his Wife Mary, and Taiwanga. It will not be uninteresting to hear some account of these persons, who have now been living with us some years. Peter, who joined this Settlement at the time of my arrival, is a Native of a quiet disposition, and rather inclined to indolence. It is now nearly three years since he shewed a disposition to attend to the truths which it is our part to inculcate; but some circumstances occurred, which occasioned us to doubt the sincerity of his professions. His Wife is a Slave, whom he took captive at the Southward some years ago. The last trip which the "Herald" made to Tauranga, Mary embarked, with her Husband's consent, to see her friends, and was to return at a future opportunity but, in the mean time, the "Herald" was lost; and Peter was glad to avail himself of the departure of some Natives from our Bay for the Southward, and joined the party in order to fetch home his Wifes On this occasion, he was absent about twelve months; and we were apprehensive that he would gain nothing by his absence from us. We heard, how ever, in the mean time, from some strang ers, that he was in the habit of talking much to the Natives in that quarter about [RECORD, August, 1830.] the things which he had heard from us. Shortly after their return, Mary was taken very ill, and was not expected to live. It was on this occasion that she first shewed any signs of a change for the better; for before her departure to the Southward she had been living in Mr. Davis's family, and was so exceedingly troublesome that she was turned away from the house. She now spoke in a most distinct manner of her trust in Jesus Christ for the pardon of her sins, and of the hope of soon being with Him in heaven. Since her recovery, a watchful eye has been kept over her, and both she and her Husband have walked with great consistency. Taiwanga is a man of a very different disposition. He lived first at Kiddeekiddee with Mr. Butler; and afterwards went to Port Jackson, where he was staying with Mr. Clarke at Black Town. Hearing there that some of his friends had been killed in battle, and that Shunghee was going to fight with the enemy, he determined to join him, and accompanied Mr. Clarke to New Zealand for the purpose. He was with Shunghee in ten different fighting expeditions: on this occasion, he particularly distinguished himself by killing a principal Chief of the opposite party. On his return, he came to live with Mr. Davis at this Settlement, where he has continued ever since; not, however, without repeated temptations from his relations to join them in their fighting expeditions. A little more than two years ago he had a strong conflict with his evil passions, which threatened to withdraw him entirely from us. has a Female Slave, a relation to his Wife, whom he was minded to take as a Second Wife. He was told that he must either break off all connection with her, or leave the Settlement. After wavering some little time, he decided on the former, and sent the Slave away inland; ever since which time a change in his mind seems gradually to have been taking place. [Rev. W. Williams. Beneficial Effects on the other Natives at Pyhea. He The Lord was pleased to make this an awakening season to the souls of others: they soon began to wish for instruction, and to inquire what they should do to be saved. This necessarily led to private meetings, which I trust have been a blessing to their souls. I have met the poor creatures several evenings with delight, and, I trust, profit to my own soul. 2 B How it would have rejoiced those who have long prayed for the conversion of the New Zealanders, to have witnessed the pleasing scene! My meetings with the Natives commenced in the following manner. On Wednesday the 25th of last month, it being my turn to address them, and having observed their attention, at the close of my discourse I told them that those who were particularly desirous for the salvation of their souls should come to my house, where I should feel a peculiar pleasure in conversing with them on the nature of those things which belong to their everlasting peace. In consequence of this invivitation, about 30 Men and Boys followed me home, and I had the pleasure of spending a delightful evening with them. I requested them to be free in their conversation, and make me acquainted with the state of their minds, in order that I might be enabled to give them a suitable word of advice. After we had prayed for a blessing, one of the newly-awakened Natives stood up and spoke in a very affecting manner. He requested all present to be seriously attentive to the things which were told them by us, whom he styled Messengers of God; to leave off and forsake all sin; and to go to God continually, by prayer, for grace, to enable them so to believe that their souls might be everlastingly saved. Another said: "Yes, let us all do as you say; let us live to God, and then we shall be happy." Peter spoke next, in a very pleasing way; and said: Yes, it is a happy thing indeed to believe in God; for I have found it so it is the only good thing in the world." Another said: Since I have continued to pray, and to think on God, my heart has been full of light; consequently, I am happy." Another said: "I am very much afraid of everlasting fire: at times it seems as though I were near to it." Another said: "My heart is hard; and it has been so for a long time. Some time ago my heart was not dark, but light; this was when I used the Means of Grace: but having been home for a time [he being a Native from Tauranga], and having also neglected the Means of Grace, my heart has become hard, like a stone.' Some said that they had a great desire: others, that they had a little desire to believe in God. At the close of their several conversations, I endeavoured to give each person a suitable word of advice: and, from what I have heard from them since, at recent meetings, I have reason to hope that my labour has not been in vain. 66 رو These poor creatures meet together themselves, for prayer and conversation, in their respective houses alternately; and I trust their meetings are profitable. Last night I heard Peter deliver a most suitable address to our little audience; and, at the close, Taiwanga engaged in prayer in a very impressive manner. My Eldest Daughter meets our Girls and our Men's Wives every evening: their prayers are very affecting. Thus is the Lord, in mercy, blessing this benighted Country. Peter has often been out on a Missionary Excursion among the Natives: a few evenings ago, he came home highly satisfied with what he had heard from the people whom he had visited; and said, "It is well for me to give my heart entirely to God." I also heard Taiwanga, yesterday, address a fighting-party of Natives in a very bold pleasing manner. [R. Davis, March 1830. Hostilities among the Native Tribes. In the midst of these encouragements, there is melancholy proof of the dominion which Satan continues to exercise over the mass of this unhappy people; though the events detailed in the following accounts abundantly shew how God is pleased to use His Servants for restraining their ferocious passions, and encourage the hope that these shall be ultimately overruled for the good of the Mission. On the 5th March, the Rev. W. Williams writes: The Natives around us have been assembling for some days at Kororarika, on the opposite shore of the Bay, about two miles distant from our Settlement, expecting an attack from the Natives of Wangaroa, Rangheehoo, and Kiddeekiddee. Hearing this morning that Ururoa, the Chief of the party that had been sent for, had arrived, we thought it would be well to go over to the contending parties, to endeavour to restrain them from mischief. Landing at Kororarika, we passed over the hill, and found the assailants feasting on the kumera, or sweetpotatoes, which they had just pulled up from the garden at which they had landed. Tohitapu, our neighbour, was in the act of holding an harangue, the purport of which was to restrain Ururoa from going to any greater length, and to content himself with having plundered the kumeragarden, as a satisfaction for the bad language used by the other party; while Ururoa seemed to be as resolutely bent on going to Kororarika the following day. Of their interview with the Chiefs the Rev. Henry Williams gives the following account: We found Tohitapu in the midst of the Council, making an harangue. As soon as we came in sight, they received us in a most gracious manner, and prepared the way for us. We took our station for the purpose of speaking to them, which they desired us to do; and commanded silence, that all might hear: we communicated as freely with them as ever we had done, and nothing was more satisfactory than the attention which they paid. They afterwards turned out their forces, that we might see their strength. Tohitapu, who is on the opposite side, greatly admired them, and, with feeling of great pride, pointing to the different tribes, exclaimed, "Those are mine!—and those are mine!" We returned after two hours, and I did not apprehend any mischief. In this anticipation Mr. Williams was disappointed; for on the following day he writes: March 6,1830-About nine o'clock much firing at Kororarika: by our glasses we could observe persons running in all directions; and the canoes pulling off to the shipping, filled with people. Mr. Davis and I immediately went over in the boat; and, after communicating with Capt. King, on board the Royal Sovereign, went on shore, to endeavour to put a stop to the firing. Landed at the scene of action; but could not see any one of any rank, as all were concealed by fences and screens. The parties were about twenty yards apart. I made as much noise as I could, but to no immediate effect. Passed on to our old friend Tohitapu, who was resting on his arms, at the extremity of the beach. I endeavoured to persuade him to accompany me to the opposite party, to draw them off; but he would not move. Tuaiangi, a young Chief, was deputed to accompany me. We had not proceeded far before the firing ceased. Rewa came forward, and waved to the parties to desist. As we drew near to the spot, we learnt that many were killed and wounded. I was conducted to Ururoa, who was scarcely able to speak: however, numbers surrounded me, and all attention was given to what I had to say. They acknowledge the correctness of our arguments with them, and that they were urged to this madness by Satan. In a short time the people in the boats landed from the shipping, to witness the distressing scene: many were dead, others dying, and the wounded no one knew. I here observed, with great wonder, the conduct of this people. Within a quarter-of-an-hour after the firing ceased, very many of each party were dispersed indiscriminately amongst their opponents; and we found that parents, children, and brothers had been fighting against one another. On a review of the melancholy proceedings of the day, Mr. R. Davis writes: Alas! what a day of horror and distress this has been ! Last night we left the contending parties, apparently desirous of making peace; but this morning, hearing the firing, and concluding that they were fighting, we launched our boat, and went over to the shipping. As the "Royal Sovereign," Captain King, was lying not more than 200 or 300 yards from the scene of action, we went to his ship. I went on board: but Mr. Williams went on shore, and landed; and endeavoured to stop the fighting, but was obliged to retreat to his boat, as a very brisk fire was kept up by both parties. This was a hazardous attempt on the part of Mr. Williams, as he was in much danger of being shot. The deck of the "Royal Sovereign" presented a woeful spectacle of horror and despair: many of the wounded men had been brought on board, and were lying on the deck in a mangled state: the surgeon was employed dressing their wounds, assisted by as many of the people as could be spared. Besides the wounded, there was a great number of women and children, who had fled on board, from the village, for protection. I stayed on board, at the urgent request of the Captain, to assist him in the management of the Natives, &c. As the village was expected to give way, and the Natives to fly to the shipping for protection, and as they were likely to be followed there by the victors, the ships were put in a posture of defence, and the worst prepared for. But I had not been long on board, before the assailants gave way, and fled in all directions. On seeing this, I went on shore, accompanied by Captains King and Dean. The sight was dreadful, as nearly 100 people were killed and wounded. Soon after we had landed, the assailants were permitted to come and carry away their dead and wounded Chiefs, but the bodies of their dead slaves they left behind. As one of the bodies left behind was that of a Chief, but one of little note, à Chief of the village ran out, and with a hatchet cut the body open, and took out a small piece of the liver: this they told me was for the New-Zealand god. After having visited both parties, and remained with them till near midnight, we returned home. The proceedings of the next day are thus noticed by Mr. Williams:March 7, 1830: Sunday-At the dawn of day I was awoke by the firing of musketry at Kororarika: before sun-rise it ceased. About seven o'clock, observed Ururoa's canoes crossing the Bay for Maturoa. Canoes from Kororarika arrived all day, with men, women, and children, bringing with them all their possessions: our Service delayed on account of the wounded: the Natives outside making a great noise, but quiet in their behaviour. At three in the afternoon observed the houses on fire at Kororarika; and all the canoes leaving the beach, and pulling in various directions. At sun-set, Ururoa, with Tohitapu, came to our beach to take up their quarters with us; and shortly after, Rewa, with his family. All was commotion, and various reports as to the intention of the Napui. On the following day, Mr. W. Williams writes March 8-A number of our Natives returned from their Pa at the Kauakaua, to observe the movements of the enemy. We told them, that we should endeavour to make peace, if possible; at which they seemed well satisfied, doubting at the same time whether the opposite party would be likely to agree to terms. In the mean time a vessel hove in sight; which proved to be from Port Jackson, having on board our old friend Mr. Marsden, with one of his Daughters.. Mr. Marsden's arrival was hailed with joy, both by the Missionaries and Natives; and his presence greatly conduced to the accomplishment of the object which they had in view the restoration of peace. He thus describes the state of things on his arrival: - When I arrived at the Bay of Islands, I found the Missionaries in considerable agitation: the Natives were up in arms against one another, in great numbers. On the 6th instant they had a battle on the opposite beach, in which it appears 70 were killed or wounded: their bodies were then lying on the beach. My arrival at this trying moment afforded the greatest relief to the Missionaries, as they were in hopes that I should have influence with the contending Tribes, to make peace between them. Messengers had been despatched to different parts, to their respective friends and allies; and it was expected that some thousands would be in the Bay in a few days. Some of the Chiefs immediately waited on me, and requested that I would interfere between them. Both parties were equally our friends, and I was well acquainted with the leading Chiefs on both sides. I promised that I would, with the Rev. H. Williams, visit both their camps the following morning, and hear what each had to say. Accordingly, early on the 9th, we proceeded to the camp of those who had obtained the victory: they received us with the greatest cordiality. We immediately entered on the subject of our mission; and, after a long discussion, which was maintained by the Chiefs with much ardour and warmth, it was agreed that we should proceed to the camp of their enemies, and state to them the substance of what had taken place. Their camps were about four miles apart. On our arrival, we were received with much respect by the Chiefs; and they were willing to hear any thing which we had to advance. The Rev. H. Williams opened the business; and, after many arguments, it was determined that we should proceed with one of the principal Chiefs to the Island of Maturoa, about five miles off, where a large body of their friends were encamped, and learn their sentiments; which we consented to do, and immediately set off for the island. When we arrived, we found the beach covered with war-canoes, and Natives prepared for action. We stopped some hours with this party: many of the Chiefs spoke with much force and dignity; but yielded to our wishes so far, that we were authorised to proceed to their enemy's camp and to make some friendly propositions to them. After these matters were arranged, we returned home about nine o'clock in the evening. The terms of peace are not yet finally settled. I have been negociating for peace ever since my arrival, and I hope it will shortly be ac complished. I am not under much concern for the Missionaries, as all parties are most friendly towards them; but they have never had such a trial before: they have lived in much peace until now. I think when this difference is settled, it will extend their influence far and wide: many of the distant Chiefs will see who and what they are, and what their object is. Of the cause of these unhappy disturbances Mr. Marsden adds The origin of this present war proceeds from the most infamous conduct of the Master of a Whaler. The Chiefs contend ed, that as the war did not originate with them but with an European, the Europeans were answerable for all the consequences, as a nation they wished to know what satisfaction we would give them for the loss of their friends who had been killed-it was their right to demand satisfaction, and it was just that the Europeans should give it: it was not their own quarrel. I replied, that all I could do was, to write to England, to prevent the return of the Master to New Zealand. They requested that I would not do this: they wished to get him into their possession; which they would do, should he return; and then they would take satisfaction themselves. The immoral conduct of some of the Whalers is dreadful. The efforts of the Missionaries towards obtaining peace are thus detailed by Mr. Williams: March 9, 1830-Mr. Marsden and I went up to the Pa, where the Kauakaua Natives were assembled: every attention was paid to what we had to say; and it was unanimously agreed, that Kororarika should be given up to the opposite party, as a payment for Shunghee and for the numbers who had been slain. The universal word was 'Peace.' We afterwards pulled to Kororarika; when they appeared desirous for peace, and it was agreed that Tarea and Titore should accompany us to Ururoa, who was at Maturoa. The wind being favourable, we soon arrived, and had a very pleasant conversation. All, with the exception of one or two, appeared disposed for peace. March 10-At day-light, the Wrikapana passed through the Settlement. They stopped for a short time, to hear the news, and to see Mr. Marsden. After dinner, went over to Kororarika, to see Ururoa, who had just come from Ma turoa. He said that it would be needful to wait till all had assembled, before peace was made: he appeared apprehensive that the opposite party was not sincere. March 11 After breakfast, Rewa, Mr. Marsden, and I, went up to the Pa. We hoisted the white flag, by Rewa's request, as a signal that we were come to treat for peace. On our arrival, all assembled; and I told them we were come to receive their instructions as to the message to Ururoa, whether _peace or war: it was now high time. Before the assembling of the multitude, they replied, that it was very good; but that Ururoa must depute some Chief to meet them in the Pa, and afterwards some one from the Pa should go to them. This being concluded, we proceeded to Kororarika, and met Ururoa and other Chiefs. They appeared of one opinion; but they waited the arrival of Mungo and Kakaha,the two sons of Shunghee,the Chief of Tako, who was killed; as the duty of seeking revenge now devolves upon them for the death of the father. I told Ururoa we were weary of going about; but he and others replied, that we must not be weary, but strong, and very cou rageous; that should these two men come in the course of the night, they would send a canoe over to us, and peace should be concluded in the morning. -- March 13 At breakfast, Tohitapu came, and spoke about the necessity of making peace;-that the distant Tribes would arrive, and then there would be no restraining them. March 14: Sunday - Tohitapu and Rewa very urgent that communica tion should be held with Ururoa and others at Kororarika; as several canoes were observed to pull over from Maturoa. I therefore went over by myself; and took the opportunity of speaking to them upon their present state, and offers of eternal peace held out by Jesus Christ. All were inclined for peace. In the evening, Service as usual. Warenui came from the Pa, apparently under much concern by the delay in making peace. March 16-After breakfast, Mr. Davis and I went to Maturoa, to see Kakaha and Mungo, the sons of Shunghee. When in the middle of the Bay, we picked up old Kossin, who was in a small skiff of a canoe, and would certainly have been upset had we not gone to his assistance. The Natives at Maturoa |